HC Deb 30 June 1983 vol 44 cc688-9
4. Mr. Shersby

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of inconvenience caused to the food industry by the delay in publishing the estimates of food supplies moving into consumption, if he will arrange early publication of the estimates.

Mrs. Fenner

Estimates for 1981 and 1982 are expected to be published together by late summer. Earlier publication of the 1981 estimates has been prevented by the delay to the Overseas Trade Statistics for that year.

Mr. Shersby

Is my hon. Friend aware that the food industry will be glad to learn that the figures will be published by the late summer, because their absence has caused problems in analysing how foods are moving into consumption? Her reply will be warmly welcomed, but I hope that if it is possible to publish the figures earlier that will be done.

Mrs. Fenner

I have to stand by the estimate that I have given. My hon. Friend probably knows that the Overseas Trade Statistics were delayed because of the backlog caused by the Civil Service strike. We regret the delay, but the figures for the two years will be ready by the end of the summer.